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January 26, 2012
Maybe you’ve done well with your New Year’s resolution…or maybe you haven’t. Either way, St. Louis AAMCO encourages you to add another to the list – be aware of the scheduled maintenance your car, truck or SUV needs to stay happy and healthy! While your vehicle’s owner manual will give you all of these specifications, we wanted to provide some suggestions that you just may overlook!
We suggest every two years or 24,000 miles. Our transmission filter and fluid change service includes: transmission fluid drain, fluid refill, filter replacement and leak check.
Keep an eye out for batteries three years old and older. We throw in alternator and starter work in our Power System Service which includes: battery, alternator, starter and starter component testing and replacement, plus fuse locator service and replacement.
Having St. Louis AAMCO doing a brake fluid flush about once a year is ideal, but when it comes to specific brake system repairs and checks, it’s best to bring it into your nearest St. Louis AAMCO location if you’re experiencing some trouble. From there, our Brake System Service should cover any problems!
We think it’s best to check once a year. Leaks, damage or loose mounting hardware can arise and cause big trouble. Our Shocks and Struts Service covers all aspects of the system when you need it.
While cracks, leaks, looseness or glazing can occur on those belts and hoses at any time, we suggest a check and possible replacement at least every four years. Typically between every 36,000-60,000 miles, these items need attention. St. Louis AAMCO’s Tune Up Service includes a thorough check!
Some of the more common (and less overlooked!) maintenance services include:
Fuel, engine, cabin air filter replacement, coolant/antifreeze check, headlight and taillight bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement, windshield washer and power steering fluid refill and of course, the undeniable oil and filter change.
You’re in luck. St. Louis AAMCO can be your one-stop for all these maintenance tasks. Stop in and see us at any of our locations to get taken care of!
January 12, 2012
The last thing you want when St. Louis is well into freezing temperatures is a car battery that’s dead. But if it’s any comfort, your car battery is working extra hard during these months to make sure you need to get where you’re going, but the extreme conditions do make it difficult. There are many factors that can contribute to the cranking, clicking or dead silence you hear when trying to start your car. Here are a couple STL AAMCO hears often!
Neglect
Alright, not in the way you may think! Your car battery is charged by your car’s alternator. During winter, the alternator is busy powering your front and rear defrosters, the heat to keep you warm and your headlights. After each demanding trip with work from the alternator, your car battery wasn’t able to gain a full charge. Tip: Make sure your alternator is at full capacity.
Quick Trips
Let’s be honest, no one likes to get out and about too much when the temperatures are almost unbearable. So when we do have to make a trip, usually we don’t want to go far. Your car battery isn’t able to warm up and retain any charge when it’s consistently turning on and off. Tip: If you can warm up your car before heading out, you’re giving the car battery a bit of a break!
So what can you do to avoid being stranded while trying to leave for work or head home from the grocery store?
Charge Up
If you have a garage, park your car in there to protect the car battery from the cold. According to the Battery Council International, a fully-charged car battery only has two-thirds of power available once temperatures drop to 32F.
Be Cautious
Even after your car starts after a few tries, in most cases there is still an issue with the car battery. In other cases, if you notice your headlights or taillights dimming, and then brightening occasionally, the alternator may be on its way out.
STL AAMCO has multiple ASE-Certified technicians readily available to give your car a check. We aren’t just transmission experts – call us today or schedule your appointment online!
December 20, 2011
Taking a trip down the highway can be scary enough, but when you factor in slippery winter weather, it can be even more stressful! STL AAMCO wants to share some of the most important tips we’ve gathered from multiple sites. With a bit of patience and following these guidelines, we’re confident you’ll be much safer!
1. Leave plenty of room to stop. While your brakes may be in tip-top condition, sometimes they are no match to ice and snow. It’s never safe to follow too close behind another car, but especially in more compromising conditions.
2. Don’t brake suddenly – tap or pump the pedal. It’s quite possible your brakes may lock up because traction may be non-existent. Hold tight to your wheel, but ease off is you start skid.
3. Keep your headlights on. Whether it’s dawn, dusk, overcast or completely dark, be sure to keep your headlights on when snow, sleet or freezing rain is obscuring your view.
4. Take it slow on bridges and overpasses. These tend to be the most slippery since air can travel easily beneath the road’s surface and speed up freezing time.
5. Don’t use cruise control. When the weather is sketchy, you must be prepared to stop on a dime. Be sure to drive at speeds that are cautious and flow with the traffic around you.
6. Don’t spin your tires if you get stuck. This will only dig you in deeper. Instead, turn your wheels from side to side to try loosening the snow out of the way. Slowly ease your way out.
Without a doubt, if you can stay in during inclement weather, you should. And remember, don’t assume your car with four-wheel, front-wheel or all-wheel drive is completely exempt from any winter weather. And vehicles can encounter trouble. As a rule of thumb, take it slow and be safe!
Is your vehicle prepared for combating the weather? If not, give us a call to make sure you’re all ready to go!
Happy Holidays from all of your ASE-Certified AAMCO technicians!
December 9, 2011
The kind of temperatures closing in on the St. Louis area are some that no one wants to mess with. We anticipate it every year. The frosty windows, a cold steering wheel, digging out that backup ice scraper. All of things aren’t so bad once you get your car’s heater going. But what if it blows cold air? Gulp.
The car heater works much differently than your home’s heating system. Multiple components work together to keep your fingers and toes warm. Any number of reasons can contribute to the cool air you are unexpectedly greeted with. Either way, STL AAMCO is equipped to do the research and get it solved!
Blown Fuse
Blown Fuses pertain to the overall electrical system. They’re generally easy to replace, but can cause trouble if blown.
Low Coolant Level
Sounds contradicting, right? Not so much. If the fluid level drops, the amount of heat transported will be lesser and the output of heat won’t be enough to heat your car’s interior.
Blocked Heater Core
If you haven’t recently replaced the tubes carrying the heated coolant, you may expect to lose that warm air.
Failure of Fan Motor
Don’t take fan in the literal sense of cooling. The heater fan actually serves as the force that pushes warm air into your car’s interior. If it’s broke or malfunctioning, you may not receive any air at all!
Failure of Control Valve
The control valve works like an on/off switch which activates or deactivates the flow of heated coolant into the heater core for distribution. It the switch breaks, no distribution means no warmth.
As you can see, there are number of things that could contribute to the failure of your heating system. Not experiencing these problems? Well if you know you haven’t done any work or replacement of these items, we suggest a quick check-up by one of our certified AAMCO technicians to get you on your way this winter.
Remember to schedule your appointment online for your convenience!
November 22, 2011
Pretty soon that defrost button is going to be pushed almost each and every morning. And while we may dread the St. Louis cold, our cars won’t necessarily enjoy it either unless you’ve prepared them for the elements. Just as we have certain needs throughout the year, our cars are no exception!
Here is a list of items to consider checking as the cold temperatures close in!
Battery
The last thing you want is getting stuck somewhere in the cold with a car that won’t start. Make sure your battery is fully charged and working correctly.
Shocks and Struts
Did someone say potholes? Ensuring the condition of your shocks and struts makes for a smoother, safer ride.
Wiper Blades
Once that sleet and snow hits, wiper blades are essential. Not only are you saving yourself a headache, but you’re keeping yourself and other drivers safe.
Brakes
Brake pads especially need attention as they’ve thinned out from summer travels. Ice, sleet, snow, rain – you name it. Be prepared to stop quickly in nasty conditions.
Headlights and Taillights
It’s a sad loss when the days become shorter. Headlights and taillights become a constant. Make sure they’re working, especially when conditions make visibility a challenge.
Fluids
Key fluids include antifreeze, power steering, brake and transmission. And we suggest a splurge on some de-icing windshield washer fluid! It can be quite calming when the sleet is coming down hard!
AAMCO St. Louis is ready and willing to help with your vehicle’s winter preparation and care. Be sure to schedule an appointment at any of our area locations before freezing temperatures are here to stay and we get that first storm!
November 7, 2011
In our last blog, we introduced some updates to four of our St. Louis AAMCO locations. While you may recognize the addresses, what you may not recognize is the new leadership at each location. The teams at Brentwood, Crestwood, Maryland Heights and Florissant – and now Wentzville – bring years of expertise and AAMCO involvement. Each adopted these locations knowing the standards of service provided by AAMCO!
These and all of our AAMCO locations stake their reputations on award-winning service. The new faces at these locations are there to ensure that is just what each and every customer receives. The buildings that were there before now come with a new focus and a new attitude.
The local and independent dealers work together as team in the St. Louis area to provide a streamlined approach to what they deliver – each and every time.
October 17, 2011
Having car trouble is a daunting feeling. You may be unsure about where to take your vehicle, if the service technicians can perform all of the necessary work required and of course, how much it will cost. At AAMCO St. Louis we strive to provide streamlined and efficient service to each and every customer. It’s an ongoing a goal of AAMCO St. Louis to bring our services to as many people as possible. We’re happy to announce the addition of three new locations!
Our Brentwood location, owned by Tim Montileone, is located at 8500 Manchester Blvd Brentwood, MO 63144. Hours are Monday – Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm and Saturday 8:00am to 12:00pm. Need to make an appointment? Call today at 314-962-3511 or schedule an appointment online now!
Our Crestwood location, managed by Chris Heinsch, is located at 8744 Watson Road Crestwood, MO 63119. Hours are Monday – Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm and Saturday 8:00am to 12:00pm. Need to make an appointment? Call today at 314-843-1122 or schedule an appointment online now!
Our Florissant location, owned by David Fuchs, is located at 1180 N. US Highway 67 Florissant, MO 63031. Hours are Monday – Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm and Saturday 8:00am to 12:00pm. Need to make an appointment? Call today at 314-831-0389 or schedule an appointment online now!
Our Maryland Heights/Westport location, owned by Tim Montileone, is located at11323 Midland Blvd St. Louis, MO 63114. Hours are Monday – Friday 7:30am to 5:00pm and Saturday 8:00am to 1:00pm. Need to make an appointment? Call today at 314-266-4130 or schedule an appointment online now!
Remember that AAMCO St. Louis is here to serve you and that includes being accessible from all over the St. Louis area. We’ll see you soon!
September 29, 2011
When Bob Carver, owner of AAMCO Washington, decided to pursue his own business he knew opening an AAMCO franchise was the way to go. With AAMCO’s track record, it was a simple decision.
“Being part of the only organization to offer transmission repair and honor a nationwide warranty is something I admire,“ Carver says. He thinks being able to offer that to his customers is really something special.
 Bob Carver, Owner of AAMCO Washington But it isn’t just transmission repair that Carver offers his customers. Experience with diesel and RV work complements his shop’s ability to maintain an “everything but tires” kind of service. His Washington, MO location sees customers from as far as Herman and Sullivan and many cross-country travelers from Hwy. 44.
Carver knows that most customers who bring their car in aren’t always happy about it, so he makes ensures the process is as seamless as possible. To him, it’s all about the reward of being able to help.
So if you’re in or around Washington, MO and needing some repair work feel confident trusting your vehicle with certified technicians at AAMCO Washington. Bob Carver will be sure you’re a lifelong customer.
Schedule an appointment online now!
September 16, 2011
In addition to general maintenance that car owners must perform for the upkeep of their vehicle, Illinois and Missouri have some specifications as well. Odds are you’ve heard a thing or two about Emissions Testing!
Emissions Testing was enabled as a continuing effort to regulate the amount of pollution emitted from motor vehicles in the St. Louis and Metro-East areas. With motor vehicles being the leading source of air pollution in our area, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency designated certain counties in both states to undergo an emissions and safety inspection. These areas include St. Louis City, Franklin, Jefferson, St. Louis and St. Charles counties, as well as the majority of Madison, Monroe and St. Clair counties in Illinois.
How do I know if my vehicle needs Emissions Testing?
More often than not, the Missouri or Illinois Secretary of State will issue the need for emissions testing (when necessary) prior to renewing your license plates. As a general rule, all 1996 and newer gas-powered passenger vehicles require testing. Diesel-powered vehicles that require testing differ from state to state. To see the required and exempt vehicles list, please click your appropriate state: Missouri or Illinois.
There are several locations in the St. Louis and Metro-East area. Testing for Illinois is performed at an Air Team test station at no cost. Locations can be found here. In Missouri, testing can be performed by certified repair and diagnostic shops of your choice. The emissions testing fee in Missouri should not exceed $24 and the safety inspection should not exceed $12. Results from your tests should be brought along when renewing your license plates. Various AAMCO locations throughout the area can provide testing, such as St. Charles Center, Oakville, Arnold (safety inspection only) and Ballwin. Be sure to check with your nearest location!
What is my vehicle fails?
If your vehicle fails, the inspector will provide a Vehicle Inspection Report containing detailed test results. In most cases, repairs need to be made in order to retest and successfully pass. These repairs can be performed by a professional or by the car’s owner. In some cases, a waiver can be provided if a vehicle fails the first test and the re-test. State specifications can be found here: Missouri or Illinois.
We want our current and potential customers to know that AAMCO is always ready and willing to diagnose and provide repairs, or just answer a simple question about your vehicle. The years we’ve put in provide us with great experience and suggestions to pass along.
August 24, 2011
When you’ve just encountered a major or even minor issue with your vehicle, you want to be sure that the services you received will last – and that’s why AAMCO St. Louis offers a warranty on every repair service!
There are six warranties that AAMCO offers our customers. We’re sure that a warranty will apply to services you received will provide you piece of mind.
AAMCO 90-Day Limited Warranty for Minor Services
With this 90-Day Limited Warranty, your car is covered if the service noted on the back of your warranty card fails in anyway, whether it is due to defective workmanship or materials. This 90-Day Warranty is effective from the day the services were performed.
AAMCO 90-Day Limited Warranty for Electronic Components
If the specific component initially replaced or repaired in your vehicle fails within 90 days of the service, AAMCO will repair or replace that component at no cost to our customer!
AAMCO 90-Day Limited Warranty for Manual Transmissions
Any repairs made for the manual transmission in your vehicle are completely covered against defective transmission materials and workmanship (parts and labor) with this 90-Day Warranty. Worry-free driving for 90 days following transmission work provides much-needed comfort! Even better? If you sell your car during the 90 period, you can transfer the 90-Day Warranty to the new title owner!
AAMCO 12-Month/12,000 Mile Limited Warranty for Automatic Transmissions
Whether you reach 12 months or 12,000 miles first, automatic transmission and torque converter work is covered against defective transmission materials and workmanship (parts and labor) with this Limited Warranty. Like the warranty above, this limited warranty is also transferable to a new title owner and honored throughout the warranty period.
AAMCO 36-Month/36,000 Mile Service Agreement
With this extended warranty available to AAMCO’s automatic transmission service customers, you’ll be driving worry-free for at least three years with this warranty. Similar to the 12-Month/12,000 Mile Limited Warranty, defective materials or workmanship on the automatic transmission and torque converter are covered!
AAMCO Lifetime Service Agreement
No matter how many miles are covered or years you’re driving the vehicle, your transmission is covered is covered with this agreement. Defective materials and workmanship are no concern as long as you own the car with this service agreement.
As transmission specialists, we understand that the importance of keeping your vehicle on t he road and out of the shop. We hope that you take comfort in the service we provide the availability of warranties.
Remember to check in with an AAMCO location for any and all terms and conditions, charges, exclusions and limitations. We’re here to address any questions or concerns!
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